Nashville
The lamp posts are like fireflies --
on nights where the stars shine like confetti.
There's an old-man across the street,
strumming his guitar --
no care in the world,
no worries in his heart.
Down yonder, just take a look.
The music notes come alive,
just like a piano note song book.
There's so much to believe,
and so much here to see --
that you'll just never want to leave.
Wait for the train, it's coming.
Be sure to hop aboard,
with hopes and dreams,
and snapshots --
There's just no tellling where you'll go.
Get off and take a stroll,
and race towards the steps of freedom,
where the history of the melody lives --
and everything you've dreamed of.
The world keeps on spinning,
the sky keeps getting bigger,
there's no telling what will happen next,
in a town where everything shimmers.
The cheers, the thunder, the applause.
The goodbyes, the good times,
and what you've learned,
is what is already gone.
Yesterday no longer matters,
because today is what you've waited for.
The open door is here for you,
all you have to do
is walk right through.
When ordering sushi, Dan and I typically stick to the basic California roll, but we were feeling a bit adventurous and decided to try something different. Our waiter recommended two different rolls. The first was similar to a California roll, but it was topped with a piece of salmon and baked ever-so slightly. We also ordered shrimp tempura (you really can't go wrong with fried shrimp). Between the crunchiness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the salmon...we were in heaven! Best part: the entire meal was only $15. I love RuSan's!
Every single branch was wrapped in Christmas lights - it was breathtaking. Even more impressive was the inside of the hotel. First of all, it is huge! If Dan hadn't known where to go, I would have had us lost within minutes. There are three giant indoor gardens, each filled with various (living) plants, rivers, waterfalls, jumping fountains, walking paths, and, of course, plenty of places to eat and shop, as well. It was a little overwhelming at first to take everything in! I tried my best not to gape, but it was so hard not to!
It was a bit cold, but we wrapped up in blankets and quickly forgot about the fact that our ears were freezing. We took tons of pictures (I had to limit myself to only posting four of them...) and neither of us wanted to get off after we had returned. After the carriage ride, we decided to walk around outside for just a bit longer. Then - as if the night couldn't get any more perfect - it began to snow. It was really more like snow flurries, but that didn't make it any less magical. 
After my date with Dan, I met my friends at the movie theater for the midnight "Twilight" premiere. I loved the books, but I must admit that I thought the movie was a bit of a letdown. I still had a great time (actually, my friends and I had plenty of fun just laughing at how awkward the movie was!) and it was my first midnight movie premiere ever, so that was exciting. Thursday was just full of new experiences! It was a busy day and I was exhausted after we got back at 3 am...but it was completely worth the exhaustion. 
Wow! I cannot believe that it is already the second week of June. The emerging week of classes most definitely came too soon. And by extension – so did CMA Fest. I can most clearly describe this past week as one complete blur. Throughout the week I attended a multitude of artist events, attended classes, and slept very little. Without a doubt, the “backstage” experiences granted me the opportunity to network and create relations with professionals who represent themselves as advocates of the music industry! I most definitely enjoyed myself, the individuals I met, and the hours of tending to crazy Taylor Swift fans at the downtown Nashville Convention Center. 
Still today, I cannot believe that I am officially enrolled as a student at Belmont University. My passion and commitment for the music business has enabled me to effectively carry out the plans that the Lord God has set forth for my life. Ever since the conversation with my friend, I have learned to embrace the existence of stress in a healthy and successful manner.